Goal

G

Build City capacity to implement the SCP.

To ensure that the SCP can be implemented, there needs to be sufficient staff to achieve the initiatives outlined. Climate needs to be considered in all that the City does – addressing the gravity of the moment and integrating climate at the outset of all projects, plans, and policies. One of the most important elements of this strategy is setting up a new department that consolidates multiple activities in one place to catalyze energy efficiency and future energy work. A consolidated department would have multiple benefits to the City, including streamlining access to information and incentives for residents and businesses, leveraging partnerships across multiple sectors, and improving ability to access and distribute funding effectively. It’s important for the City to have enough capacity and funding to maintain what it builds.

Strategy

Increase the number of full-time staff in the Office of Sustainability, and other key staff, such as in the Buildings and Facilities Departments, to implement the SCP, build efficiency, and streamline services.

Expected Outcomes

Full-time, well-compensated staff who are charged with SCP implementation.
Climate considerations are integrated across the city operations and policies.
New Energy Department or Division that combines residential and business support services.

How will we achieve this?

Our Actions

G.1

Establish a sustained funding source for the City’s maintenance and operations staff to effectively manage and maintain green infrastructure and urban tree canopy, including stormwater systems, parks, and green streets.

G.2

Establish a buildings upgrade-focused department or expand the existing BEPS department by 2030 to support residents, tenants, property owners, and large businesses to upgrade buildings and increase energy efficiency, leveraging existing staff and resources.

G.3

Create a “climate lens” policy that directs all City operations, planning efforts, and capital projects to consider climate impacts, including guidance on budgeting and implications of no action and lifecycle costs.

G.4

Continue to support and promote cross-departmental coordination and collaboration to monitor and implement the SCP.

G.5

Establish communications, incentives, and training materials for City Staff to understand benefits and recognize opportunities to utilize climate-friendly practices.

Case Studies

Learn more about the sustainability practices or principles mentioned in the actions above.

Missoula Climate Lens

To address climate change, it must be considered in all that a city does. One way to do this is by adopting a climate lens. For example, in 2022, Missoula City Council passed a Climate Lens Resolution directing staff to create and implement a “climate lens” to guide city planning and development. The Climate and Resilience Lens has provided a toolkit to help city staff consider climate when making policy, education, and process change decisions. The lens has thus embedded climate considerations into city planning, and also led to the adoption of two new policies that help meet its emissions reductions goals: the Vehicle Emissions Policy and the Environmentally Sustainable Building Policy.

City of Baltimore Energy Division

The City of Baltimore’s Energy Division leads the City’s strategy for the decarbonization of City buildings and fleet. The Energy Division collaborates with the Baltimore City Office of Sustainability and other agencies to develop and implement the City’s Climate Action Plan and Sustainability Plan.The Division has three main functions: 1) energy data and performance, 2) energy project management, and 3) energy policy and strategy. Through this dedicated division, the City of Baltimore is successfully reducing energy costs and achieving its GHG emissions reduction goals.